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TAHLEQUAH, OK - In 1866, the Loyal Shawnees signed a treaty with, and became part of, the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma. More than 130 years later, the Cherokee Nation the Loyal Shawnees and the United States Congress worked together to give the Loyal Shawnees status as a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Both the Shawnees and the Cherokee Nation endorsed the law, which gives the Shawnees a right to govern themselves and be recognized as Shawnees, rather than Cherokees, without eroding any sovereignty rights of the Cherokee Nation. Under provisions of the law, the Loyal Shawnees may not take land into trust or operate federal programs within the Cherokee Nation without the consent of the Cherokee Nation.

"We have worked with the Shawnees for years to achieve this," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "They are proud of their heritage as Shawnees, and proud of the dignified way they have gained their federal recognition."

The Cherokee Nation has passed two separate resolutions over the past four years, supporting the Loyal Shawnees bid to be restored to its position as a separate federally recognized tribe. Both the House and the Senate passed the Omnibus Indian Advancement Act earlier this week. Title VII of that Act deals with the status of the Shawnee Tribe.